Popular administrator will serve as special advisor to the president

Leo Sullivan, the long-serving vice president for human resources, has announced that he will step down this spring and transition to a new role as senior advisor to the president.

University President William P. Leahy, SJ, said that Sullivan will remain as vice president for human resources until his successor is named, likely in three to four months, at which time he will assume his new role as presidential advisor.

“Leo has had such a profound influence on the life and culture of Boston College,” said Fr. Leahy. “He has provided pastoral care, wisdom and sensitivity throughout his decades of service. I am pleased he has agreed to continue his service to the University in this new capacity.”

Sullivan, a nationally recognized innovator in human resources management and a popular administrator well-known for his familiarity with and unwavering support of BC employees, had planned to retire from Boston College by the end of this academic year before he was presented with the opportunity to serve as senior advisor to the president.

Executive Vice President Patrick J. Keating said the decision to retain Sullivan in an advisory capacity will enable Boston College to avail itself of his vast knowledge and experience after his successor is in place.

“Leo’s decades-long contributions to Boston College and our employees have been invaluable,” said Keating. “What Leo has done for the University will not be replicated, but this new role is a perfect way for him to assist in and ensure a smooth transition for his eventual replacement.”

A graduate of Northeastern University with a master’s degree from Boston College, Sullivan was a personnel officer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before joining a two-person human resources staff at Boston College that served 800 employees.

Today, the Department of Human Resources consists of more than 50 staff members, who serve a workforce of more than 3,400 employees. Sullivan is considered one of the nation’s most respected experts in all of the areas that encompass Human Resources.

“I am very grateful to Boston College,” said Sullivan. “It has been a privilege to be a part of this community, and I am looking forward to my new role with great enthusiasm.”